Longitudinal entry clip for use in a vehicle jack system and a vehicle jack system incorporating the same

ABSTRACT

A combination for use with a vehicle jack constructed and arranged to affect raising and lowering movements of the vehicle. The combination comprises an elongated rigid jack operating tool and a longitudinal entry tool retainer. The tool retainer is fixedly mounted to the vehicle. The tool retainer has a tool receiving space and a resiliently movable tool engaging structure providing a tool engaging surface. The tool and the tool retainer enable the tool to be mounted to the tool retainer by moving the tool in the longitudinal direction into the tool receiving space. The tool contacts the tool engaging structure and urges the tool engaging structure against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of the tool into the tool receiving space. The tool engaging structure thereafter forcibly engages the tool engaging surface against an exterior surface of the tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal direction thereof.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates a vehicle jack system for installation ina motor vehicle and more particularly to a jack operating tool retainerfor securing a vehicle jack operating tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle jacks are normally stored within a vehicle for use duringemergencies wherein raising and lowering a vehicle is required, such aschanging a flat tire. In many vehicles, particularly trucks and sportutilities, the vehicle lift point is spaced underneath the vehicle at aposition where elongated jack tools are needed to reach and operate thejack. Due to size restraints within the interior of a vehicle, the jacktools are normally detached from the jack and are coupled to the jackwhen needed. Oftentimes, the jack and accompanying tools are mounted toa mounting structure, such as a stamped or molded bracket, which isfixed inside the vehicle so that the jack and tools are easily locatableand do not move about while driving.

The jack tools of the type herein contemplated are typically elongatedtubes including end portions which are designed to engage the jackand/or accompanying tools for operating the jack. A known system forsecuring the jack tools comprises a tool clip, shown generally in FIG. 1at 10, having a base portion, indicated generally at 12, connected to avehicle mounting structure and opposing resilient leg portions 14, 16spaced apart from one another. Each leg portion 14, 16 includes a camportion, shown at 18, 20 respectively, that extends generally outwardlytherefrom. The clip 10 is approximately 65% closed. A pair of alignedclips 10 is generally used for securing each tool to the mountingstructure.

As shown in FIG. 2, the method for securing the jack tool into theseknown clips 10 is to first laterally align the tool between the legportions 14, 16 of a pair of clips 10 and then move the tool between theleg portions 14, 16 of the clips 10. As the tool is moved between theleg portions 14, 16, the exterior surface of the tool engages the camportions 18, 20 so as to flex the resilient leg portions 14, 16outwardly away from one another (shown in FIG. 3), thereby allowing thetool to move into its stored position within the clip. Thereafter, theleg portions 14, 16 resiliently return inwardly toward one another witha snap-action to secure the tool in the stored position. The tool can beremoved by pulling in an opposite direction to flex out the leg portions14, 16 so as to withdraw the tool from the clip 10.

The problem with this method is that securing the tool to the cliprequires sufficient space to accommodate the positioning of the tool andits movement into the clip. Therefore, this method is not suitable fortight locations within the vehicle, such as underneath or behind a seat,which lacks the necessary space for maneuvering the tool into a securedposition within the clips 10.

There is a need for providing a storage system that can be mounted inconfined locations and still enable access to the jack tools. Therefore,the limited access areas within the vehicle can be utilized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to meet the above-describedneed. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, thisobjective is achieved by providing a combination for use with a vehiclejack which is constructed and arranged to be positioned underneath amotor vehicle and then moved through raising and lowering movementsunder a transmittal of force thereto to affect raising and loweringmovements of the vehicle. The combination comprises an elongated rigidjack operating tool which has an exterior surface and a pair of opposingend portions that are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. At leastone of the end portions is constructed and arranged to be coupled inforce transmitting relation with the vehicle jack such that moving thetool transmits force to the jack to move the jack through the aforesaidraising and lowering movements. A longitudinal entry tool retainer isconstructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle and has atool receiving space and a resiliently movable tool engaging structurethat provides a tool engaging surface. The tool and the tool retainerare constructed and arranged to enable the tool to be mounted to thetool retainer by moving the tool in the longitudinal direction into thetool receiving space. The tool contacts the tool engaging structure andurges the tool engaging structure against the resiliency thereof toaccommodate ingress of the tool into the tool receiving space. The toolengaging structure thereafter forcibly engages the tool engaging surfacethereof against the exterior surface of the tool to frictionally inhibitmovement of the tool in the longitudinal direction thereof.

It is contemplated that the vehicle jack may be included with theabove-described combination to provide a vehicle jack system. The jackis removably mounted to the vehicle to enable the jack to be removedtherefrom for use in affecting the raising and lowering movements of thevehicle.

In another aspect of the principles of the present invention, theobjective is also achieved by providing a method for storing the jackoperating tool for use with the vehicle jack. The method comprisesproviding the elongated rigid jack operating tool and the jack operatingtool retainer, moving the tool in the longitudinal direction thereofinto the tool receiving space, and fixedly mounting the tool retainer tothe vehicle.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of this invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of thisdisclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, the principles ofthis invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the variousembodiments of this invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a jack tool clip used in prior artstorage systems;

FIG. 2 is a sequential view showing the method of securing the jack toolinto the prior art tool clips;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the jack tool engaging the prior arttool clip;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vehicle jack system constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the vehicle jack system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the vehicle jack system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tool retaining clip constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a tool being mounted to the clip ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a tool being mounted to alignedfirst and second clips;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a tool being mounted to a vehiclejack system that is mounted underneath a vehicle seat;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a tool being mounted to a vehiclejack system that is mounted behind a vehicle console;

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a tool being mounted to a vehicle jacksystem that is mounted behind a vehicle seat;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a tool including a lock buttonthat is mounted to a clip;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an alternative clip that includesdeformable ribs; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an alternative clip that includesan annular wall with deformable ribs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 4-6 show a vehicle jack system, generally indicated at 22, forinstallation in a motor vehicle, which system embodies the principles ofthe present invention. The system 22 comprises a mounting bracket,generally indicated at 24, which is constructed and arranged to befixedly mounted to the vehicle, a vehicle jack, generally indicated at26, a plurality of elongated rigid jack operating tools, each generallyindicated at 28, and a plurality of jack operating tool retainers in theform of longitudinal entry tool retaining clips, each generallyindicated at 30.

The vehicle jack 26 is constructed and arranged to be positionedunderneath the vehicle and then moved through raising and loweringmovements under a transmittal of force thereto to affect raising andlowering movements of the vehicle. The jack 26 shown is a mechanicalscrew jack, although other jacks such as pantograph and half-scissorjacks are also contemplated. The specific type of jack used is notimportant to the present invention and any type of jack may be used. Thejack 26 is removably mounted to the mounting bracket 24 to enable thejack 26 to be removed therefrom for use in affecting the raising andlowering movements of the vehicle as aforesaid.

Each tool 28 has an exterior surface 32 and a pair of opposing endportions 34, 36 spaced apart in a longitudinal direction. Each tool 28is tubular (although they may be solid throughout) and may be generallystraight along its entire longitudinal extent or bent at a pointintermediate the opposing end portions 34, 36. At least one of the endportions 34, 36 is coupled in force transmitting relation with thevehicle jack 26 such that moving the tool 28 transmits force to the jack26 to move the jack 26 through the aforesaid raising and loweringmovements. Specifically, to operate the jack 26 the user inserts endportion 34 of the jack tool 28 into a tool receiving slot 25 of a jackinput structure 27 of the jack 26 and rotates the jack tool 28 so as torotate the jack input structure 27. The jack 26 converts the torque orforce applied to the input structure 27 into raising and loweringmovements of a vehicle engaging portion 86.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary clip 30 constructed in accordance withthe principles of the present invention. The clip 30 has a base portion38 that fixedly mounts to the mounting bracket 24. Each clip 30 includesa pair of opposing leg portions 40, 42 with free ends 44, 46 spacedapart from one another. The leg portions 40, 42 and the base portion 38have interior surfaces that define a tool receiving space, generallyshown at 50, for each clip 30. The leg portions 40, 42 provide a pair ofresiliently movable tool engaging structure, generally shown at 52, 54.These tool engaging structures 52, 54 respectively provide a pair oftool engaging surfaces 56, 57. The tool engaging structures 52, 54 areresiliently movable apart from one another and have chamfered engageableedge surfaces 58, 60. The edge surfaces 58, 60 could also be rounded.Each clip 30 is preferably molded from plastic.

Each tool 28 is removably mounted to the mounting bracket 24 by beingremovably received in the tool receiving spaces 50 of a pair of alignedclips 30. The tool engaging structures 52, 54 of each clip 30 forciblyengage the tool engaging surfaces 56, 57 thereof against the exteriorsurface 32 of each tool 28 to frictionally inhibit movement of each tool28 in the longitudinal direction thereof. Each tool 28 and itsassociated clips 30 are constructed and arranged to enable each tool 28to be removed for coupling to the jack 26 in force transmitting relationby moving each tool 28 in the longitudinal direction thereof so as tolongitudinally withdraw each tool 28 from the tool receiving spaces 50of a pair of aligned clips 30.

Each tool 28 and its associated clips 30 are also constructed andarranged to enable each tool 28 to be re-mounted to the clips 30 bymoving each tool 28 in the longitudinal direction thereof into the toolreceiving space 50, as shown in FIG. 8. As the tool 28 moves into thetool receiving space 50 of an associated clip 30, the tool 28 engagesagainst the chamfered edge surfaces 58, 60 of the tool engagingstructures 52, 54 in a camming action so as to move the tool engagingstructures 52, 54 apart from one another against the resiliency thereofto accommodate ingress of the tool 28 within the tool receiving space50. The tool engaging structures 52, 54 thereafter move inwardly undertheir own resiliency to forcibly engage the tool engaging surfaces 56,57 against the exterior surface 32 of the tool 28 to frictionallyinhibit movement of the tool 28 in the longitudinal direction thereof asmentioned above.

The tool 28 is mounted to the aligned second clip 30 after mounting thetool 28 to the first clip 30 as aforesaid by continuing to move the tool28 in the longitudinal direction thereof into the tool receiving space50 of the second clip 30, shown in FIG. 9. As with the first clip 30,the tool 28 contacts the tool engaging structure 52, 54 of the secondclip 30 and urges the tool engaging structure 52, 54 of the second clip30 against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of the tool 28into the tool receiving space 50. The tool engaging structure 52, 54 ofthe second clip 30 thereafter forcibly engages the tool engagingsurfaces 56, 57 thereof against the exterior surface 32 of the tool 28to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool 28 in the longitudinaldirection thereof in cooperation with the tool engaging surface 56 ofthe first clip 30.

In each clip 30, a small gap is provided between the free ends 44, 46 ofthe leg portions 40, 42. With this gap, the leg portions 40, 42 can flexoutwardly as needed to adjust to tools 28 of varying size. If the clip30 were fully enclosed, a clip diameter must be selected so the tool 28will be able to slide in. The clip diameter must also be sufficientlyclose to the tool diameter to provide sufficient frictional interferenceto secure the tool 28 in place. Due to the close tolerance factors thata fully enclosed clip would require, it is preferred that each clip 30include a small gap.

The mounting bracket 24 is stamped from a piece of sheet metal anddeformed in a conventional manner to provide a plurality of vehiclemounting portions, each generally indicated at 64, a clip mountingportion, generally indicated at 66, a jack mounting portion, generallyindicated at 68, and a planar base 69. The clip mounting portion 66extends upwardly from the bracket 24 and may be integral to the bracket24 or mounted separately by welding, for example.

The vehicle mounting portions 64 are in the form of integral orseparately formed flat tabs that extend from the base 69 and each have afastener receiving space in the form of generally circular hole 72 boredtherethrough or a partially circular recess 74 formed from the edgethereof. Fasteners, such as bolts, are inserted through the holes 72 andrecesses 74 to secure the mounting bracket 24 to the vehicle.Alternatively, these holes 72 and recesses 74 may be omitted and thebracket 24 may be mounted by welding or in any other suitable manner.

The clip mounting portion 66 has a plurality of generally circular holes76 bored therethrough. The base portion 38 of each clip 30 has a lockingportion 78 which is constructed and arranged to be inserted through thehole 76 with a snap-action to secure the clip 30 to the clip mountingportions 66, 70.

The jack mounting portion 68 includes a support member 80 and a pair oflocking tab members 82, 84. To secure the jack 26, a base portion 90 ofthe jack 26 has holes 88 bored therethrough which allow the tab members82, 84 to pass therethrough. The jack 26 is engaged with the tab members82, 84 at an angle outwardly from the bracket 24 and then pivoteddownwardly until the vehicle engaging portion 86 can be positionedwithin the support member 80. Thus, the jack 26 is releasably securedbetween the support member 80 and the tab members 82, 84 of the jackmounting portion 68. To release the jack 26, the jack 26 is forced inthe direction of the tab members 82, 84 until the engaging portion 86clears the support member 80. Then, the jack 26 is pivoted outwardlyfrom the bracket 24 and removed out from the tab members 82, 84.

The illustrated embodiment shows a combination clip structure thatcomprises three integral clips 30 including three pairs of leg portions40, 42, a common base portion 38, and two locking portions 78 thatsecure each combination clip structure to the mounting bracket 24. It iscontemplated that any number of clips 30 may be combined into acombination clip structure or that the clip 30 may be configured as inFIG. 7 including one pair of leg portions 40, 42 secured separately tothe mounting bracket 24 by a single locking portion 78 of the baseportion 38. It is also contemplated that any number of aligned clips 30may be used to secure each tool 28. The illustrated embodiment shows twoaligned clips 30 securing each tool 28, but one clip 30 or more than twoclips 30 could be used.

The embodiment also shows that the clips 10 of the prior art are alsoutilized along with the clips 30 of the present invention. Depending onthe access area in which the system 22 is mounted, different clipcombinations may be used. The illustrated embodiment of the system 22may be mounted under a seat 92 towards the front portion thereof asshown in FIG. 10. In that arrangement, the jack 26 and the jack tools 28on a rearward side of the clip mounting portion 66 would be accessiblein the rear portion under the seat 92 such that there is sufficientspace to accommodate lateral movement of the jack tools 28 into priorart lateral entry clips 10; but access to the front portion under theseat 92 is quite limited and the longitudinal entry clips 30 of thepresent invention must be used. It is preferable that the longitudinalentry clips 30 are oriented towards the front of the vehicle, in thearrangement illustrated in FIG. 10, because the generally enclosedconfiguration of the longitudinal entry clips 30 prevents lateralmovement of the jack tools 28 that may occur during operation of thevehicle.

It is contemplated that the clips 10, 30 and the mounting bracket 24 maybe integrally molded to provide a one piece construction.

It is further contemplated that the clips 10, 30 are mounted on the jack26, with the jack 26 being mountable to the mounting bracket 24. Thus,the jack tools 28 may be mounted to the jack 26 prior to mounting thejack 26 to the bracket 24. Likewise, the jack tools 28 may be removedfrom the jack 26 following the removal of the jack 26 from the bracket24.

FIGS. 11-12 also show other mounting situations in which thelongitudinal entry clips 30 of the present invention are preferablyutilized, such as behind a console 94, behind seats 92, and other suchareas where the tools 28 cannot be moved laterally into the clips 30.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 13, the Figure shows that one of theopposing end portions 34 of the tool 28 has a lock button 96 extendingthrough an opening 98 formed in the exterior surface 32 of the tool 28and a leaf spring 100 mounted within the tool 28 adjacent the opening98. The lock button 96 is mounted to the spring 100 such that the spring100 biases the lock button 96 outwardly through the opening 98 to alocking position.

The clip 30 enables one end portion 34 of the tool 28 having the lockbutton 96 to move into the tool receiving space 50. The lock button 96engages the clip 30 in a camming action to urge the lock button 96inwardly from the locking position thereof to permit ingress of the tool28 into the tool receiving space 50. As the tool 28 is movedlongitudinally into the clip 30, the lock button 96 engages thechamfered edge surfaces 58, 60 in a camming action to force the lockbutton 96 down. After the lock button 96 has moved through the toolreceiving space 50 and beyond the tool engaging structures 52, 54, thelock button 96 returns to the locking position thereof under the biasingof the spring 100 so that the lock button 96 can engage the clip 30 toinhibit removal of the tool 28 in the longitudinal direction thereoffrom the tool receiving space 50 until the tool 28 is withdrawn withsufficient force to cam the lock button back down to its releasingposition.

The lock button 96 also enables two or more tools 28 to be connectedtogether in a locking manner to operate the jack 26. The tool 28includes a hole 102 formed in the exterior surface 32 of an otheropposing end portion 36 that can receive the lock button 96 of an othertool as it is engaged therein and inhibit removal therefrom. An endportion 34 of the elongated connected tools 28 is slotably connectedwithin the tool receiving slot 25 of the jack 26 which has a similarcross-section to that of the end portion 34. A bent tool 28 is attachedto the other end of the elongated connected tools 28 to facilitate therotation of the elongated connected tools 28 which transmits the forceto the jack 26 to move the jack 26 through the aforesaid raising andlowering movements.

The lock button 96 is not a necessary feature for retaining the tools 28to the clip 30. In place of the lock button 96 for coupling the tool 28to another tool 28 or jack 26, other ways such as threadably engaged orfriction fitted may be used.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative construction for the longitudinal entrytool retainer having a plurality of tool engaging structures 52, 54provided by a plurality of deformable ribs 104 that extend into the toolreceiving space 50. These ribs 104 will bend to accommodate the tool 28and forcibly engage the exterior surface 32 of the tool 28 to inhibitlongitudinal removal thereof.

FIG. 15 shows another alternative construction for the longitudinalentry tool retainer. In this embodiment, the clip 30 includes an annularwall 106 surrounding the tool receiving space 50 wherein the deformableribs 104 in FIG. 14 are provided along the entire periphery of aninterior surface 108 of the wall 106.

The jack 26 does not necessarily have to be included with the system 22thus the invention may encompass the basic combination of the tool 28and the tool retaining clip 30 (the jack 26 may be acquired separatelyto use with this combination) or the full jack system including the jackand the mounting structure.

The invention also encompasses a method for storing the jack operatingtool 28 for use with the vehicle jack 26. This method comprisesproviding the elongated rigid jack operating tool 28 having the exteriorsurface 32 and the pair of opposing end portions 34, 36 spaced apart ina longitudinal direction thereof. At least one of the end portions 34,36 is constructed and arranged to be coupled in force transmittingrelation with the vehicle jack 26 such that moving the jack operatingtool 28 transmits force to the jack 26 to move the jack through theraising and lowering movements thereof. The longitudinal entry toolretainer 30 is provided which is constructed and arranged to be fixedlymounted to the vehicle. The tool retainer 30 has the tool receivingspace 50 and resiliently movable tool engaging structures 52, 54providing the tool engaging surfaces 56, 58. The tool 28 is moved in thelongitudinal direction thereof into the tool receiving space 50 suchthat the tool 28 contacts the tool engaging structures 52, 54 and urgesthe tool engaging structures 52, 54 against the resiliency thereof toaccommodate ingress of the jack tool 28 into the tool receiving space50. The tool engaging structures 52, 54 thereafter forcibly engages thetool engaging surfaces 56, 58 against the exterior surface 32 of thetool 28 to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool 28 in thelongitudinal direction thereof. Then, the tool retainer 30 is fixedlymounted to the vehicle.

It is contemplated that this method may comprise any number of alignedtool retainers 30 to secure each tool 28 including a single retainer. Itis also contemplated that the tool retainer 30 be fixedly mounted beforeor after moving the tool 28 in the longitudinal direction thereof intothe tool receiving space 50.

It can thus be appreciated that the objectives of the present inventionhave been fully and effectively accomplished. The foregoing specificembodiments have been provided to illustrate the structural andfunctional principles of the present invention and is not intended to belimiting. To the contrary, the present invention is intended toencompass all modifications, alterations, and substitutions within thespirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A combination for use with a vehicle jackconstructed and arranged to be positioned underneath a motor vehicle andthen moved through raising and lowering movements under a transmittal offorce thereto to affect raising and lowering movements of the vehicle,said combination comprising: an elongated rigid jack operating toolhaving an exterior surface and a pair of opposing end portions spacedapart in a longitudinal direction thereof, at least one of said endportions being constructed and arranged to be coupled in forcetransmitting relation with the vehicle jack such that moving the tooltransmits force to the jack to move the jack through the aforesaidraising and lowering movements thereof; a longitudinal entry toolretainer constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle,said tool retainer having a tool receiving space and resiliently movabletool engaging structure providing a tool engaging surface facing intothe tool receiving space, the resiliently movable tool engagingstructure also providing a cam surface; said tool and said tool retainerbeing constructed and arranged to enable said tool to be mounted to saidtool retainer by moving said tool in the longitudinal direction thereofinto said tool receiving space such that said tool contacts the camsurface of said tool engaging structure and cams the cam surface to urgesaid tool engaging structure against the resiliency thereof toaccommodate ingress of said tool into said tool receiving space and suchthat said tool engaging structure thereafter forcibly engages said toolengaging surface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof.
 2. A combination according to claim 1, wherein said toolretainer is a tool retaining clip having a base portion constructed andarranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle and a pair of opposing legportions with free ends spaced apart from one another, said leg portionsand said base portion having interior surfaces defining said toolreceiving space of said tool retaining clip, said tool engagingstructure being provided by said leg portions, said tool engagingsurfaces being provided by said interior surfaces of said tool retainingclips, and said cam surface being provided by engageable edge surfacesof the leg portions, said leg portions being resiliently movable apartfrom one another, said engageable edge surfaces of said tool engagingstructure being configured such that movement of said tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof into said tool receiving space engagessaid tool against said edge surfaces in a camming action so as to movesaid leg portions apart from one another against the resiliency thereofto accommodate ingress of said tool within said tool receiving space andsuch that said leg portions thereafter forceably engage said interiorsurfaces thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof.
 3. A combination according to claim 1, wherein said toolretainer is a first longitudinal entry tool retainer and wherein saidsystem further comprises: a second longitudinal entry tool retainerhaving a tool receiving space and resiliently movable tool engagingstructure providing a tool engaging surface facing into the toolreceiving space, the resiliently movable tool engaging structure of thesecond tool retainer also providing a cam surface, said second toolretainer being constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to thevehicle in spaced apart relation from said first tool retainer with saidtool receiving spaces of said first and second tool retainers beinggenerally aligned with one another; said tool and said second toolretainer being constructed and arranged to enable said tool to bemounted to said second tool retainer after mounting said tool to saidfirst tool retainer as aforesaid by continuing to move said tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof into said tool receiving space of saidsecond tool retainer such that (a) said tool contacts the cam surface ofsaid tool engaging structure of said second tool retainer and cams thecam surface to urge said tool engaging structure of said second toolretainer against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of saidtool into said tool receiving space and (b) said tool engaging structureof said second tool retainer thereafter forcibly engages said toolengaging surface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof in cooperation with said tool engaging surface of said firsttool retainer.
 4. A combination according to claim 3, wherein each ofsaid first and second tool retainers is a tool retaining clip having abase portion constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to thevehicle and a pair of opposing leg portions with free ends spaced apartfrom one another, said leg portions and said base portion havinginterior surfaces defining said tool receiving space of each of saidtool retaining clips, said tool engaging structure of each of said toolretaining clips being provided by said leg portions, said tool engagingsurfaces of each of said tool retaining clips being provided by saidinterior surfaces of said tool retaining clips and said cam surfaces ofsaid tool retaining clips being provided by engageable edge surfaces ofthe leg portions, said leg portions of each of said tool retaining clipsbeing resiliently movable apart from one another; said engageable edgesurfaces of said tool engaging structure of each tool retaining clipbeing configured such that movement of said tool in the longitudinaldirection thereof into said tool receiving space of each clip engagessaid jack tool against said edge surfaces thereof in a camming action soas to move said leg portions thereof apart from one another against theresiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of said tool within said toolreceiving space thereof and such that said leg portions thereafterforceably engage said interior surfaces thereof against the exteriorsurface of said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the jack toolin the longitudinal direction thereof.
 5. A combination according toclaim 4, wherein said clips are molded from plastic.
 6. A combinationaccording to claim 4, further comprising a mounting bracket constructedand arranged to be mounted to the vehicle, said first and second toolretaining clips being fixedly mounted to said mounting bracket for fixedmounting to the vehicle with said tool receiving spaces thereofgenerally aligned with one another.
 7. A combination according to claim1, wherein said tool is tubular.
 8. A combination according to claim 1,wherein said tool is generally straight along its entire longitudinalextent.
 9. A combination according to claim 1, wherein said tool is bentat a point intermediate said opposing end portions thereof.
 10. Acombination according to claim 2, wherein said engageable edge surfacesof said tool engaging structure of each tool retaining clip arechamfered.
 11. A combination according to claim 4, wherein saidengageable edge surfaces of said tool engaging structure of said toolretaining clip are chamfered.
 12. A combination according to claim 1,wherein said tool receiving space is open to opposing end portions ofsaid tool retainer to enable said tool to be moved therethrough as saidtool is being mounted to said tool retainer and wherein said one of saidopposing end portions of said tool has a lock button extending throughan opening formed in the exterior surface of said tool and a springmounted within said tool adjacent said opening, said lock button beingmounted to said spring such that said spring biases said lock buttonoutwardly through said opening to a locking position, said tool retainerbeing constructed and arranged such that as said one end portion of saidtool having said lock button is moved into said tool receiving space,said lock button engages said cam surface in a camming action to urgesaid lock button inwardly from the locking position thereof to permitingress of said tool into said tool receiving space and further suchthat after said lock button has moved through said tool receiving spaceand beyond said tool engaging structure said lock button returns to saidlocking position thereof under the biasing of said spring so that saidlock button can engage said tool retainer to inhibit removal of saidtool in the longitudinal direction thereof from said tool receivingspace.
 13. A combination according to claim 12, wherein said toolretainer is a tool retaining clip having a base portion constructed andarranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle and a pair of opposing legportions with free ends spaced apart from one another, said leg portionsand said base portion having interior surfaces defining said toolreceiving space of said tool retaining clip, said tool engagingstructure being provided by said leg portions, said tool engagingsurfaces being provided by said interior surfaces of said tool retainingclips, and said cam surface being provided by engageable edge surfacesof the leg portions, said leg portions being resiliently movable apartfrom one another; said engageable edge surfaces of said tool engagingstructure being configured such that movement of said tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof into said tool receiving space (a)engages said tool against said edge surfaces in a camming action so asto move said leg portions apart from one another against the resiliencythereof to accommodate ingress of said tool within said tool receivingspace and such that said leg portions thereafter forceably engage saidinterior surfaces thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof and (b) engages said lock button of said tool against one ofsaid edge surfaces in a camming action to urge said lock button inwardlyfrom the locked position thereof to permit ingress of said tool intosaid tool receiving space.
 14. A combination according to claim 12,wherein said tool retainer is a first longitudinal entry tool retainerand wherein said system further comprises: a second longitudinal entrytool retainer having a tool receiving space and resiliently movable toolengaging structure providing a tool engaging surface facing into thetool receiving space, the resiliently movable tool engaging structure ofthe second tool retainer also providing a cam surface, said second toolretainer being constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to thevehicle in spaced apart relation from said first tool retainer with saidtool retaining spaces of said first and second tool retainers beinggenerally aligned with one another; said tool and said second toolretainer being constructed and arranged to enable said tool to bemounted to said second tool retainer after mounting said tool to saidfirst tool retainer as aforesaid by continuing to move said tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof into said receiving space of said secondtool retainer such that (a) said tool contacts the cam surface of saidtool engaging structure of said second tool retainer and cams the camsurface to urge said tool engaging structure of said second toolretainer against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of saidtool into said tool receiving space and (b) said tool engaging structureof said second tool retainer thereafter forcibly engages said toolengaging surface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof in cooperation with said tool engaging surface of said firsttool retainer; said second tool retainer being constructed and arrangedsuch that as said one end portion of said tool having said lock buttonis moved in the longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receivingspace of said second tool retainer, said lock button engages said secondtool retainer in a camming action to urge said lock button inwardly fromthe locked position thereof to permit ingress of said tool into saidtool receiving space of said second tool retainer and further such thatafter said lock button has moved through said tool receiving space ofsaid second tool retainer and beyond said tool engaging structurethereof said lock button returns to said locked position thereof underthe biasing of said spring so that said lock button can engage said toolretainer to inhibit removal of said tool in the longitudinal directionthereof from said tool receiving space.
 15. A combination according toclaim 14, wherein each of said first and second tool retainers is a toolretaining clip having a base portion constructed and arranged to befixedly mounted to the vehicle and a pair of opposing leg portions withfree ends spaced apart from one another, said leg portions and said baseportion having interior surfaces defining said tool receiving space ofeach of said tool retaining clips, said tool engaging structure of eachof said tool retaining clips being provided by said leg portions, saidtool engaging surfaces of each of said tool retaining clips beingprovided by said interior surfaces of said tool retaining clips, andsaid cam surfaces of said tool retaining clips being provided byengageable edge surfaces of the leg portions, said leg portions of eachof said tool retaining clips being resiliently movable apart from oneanother; said engageable edge surfaces of said tool engaging structuresof each tool retaining clip being configured such that movement of saidtool in the longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receivingspace of each clip (a) engages said tool against said edge surfacesthereof in a camming action so as to move said leg portions thereofapart from one another against the resiliency thereof to accommodateingress of said tool within said tool receiving space thereof and suchthat said leg portions thereafter forceably engage said interiorsurfaces thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof and (b) engages said lock button of said tool in a cammingaction to urge said lock button inwardly from the locked positionthereof to permit ingress of said tool into said tool receiving space.16. A combination according to claim 15, wherein said clips are moldedfrom plastic.
 17. A combination according to claim 16, furthercomprising a mounting bracket constructed and arranged to be mounted tothe vehicle, said first and second tool retaining clips being fixedlymounted to said mounting bracket for fixed mounting to the vehicle withsaid tool receiving spaces thereof generally aligned with one another.18. A combination according to claim 13, wherein said engageable edgesurfaces of said tool engaging structure of each tool retaining clip arechamfered.
 19. A combination according to claim 15, wherein saidengageable edge surfaces of each of said tool engaging structures ofsaid tool retaining clip are chamfered.
 20. A combination for use with avehicle jack constructed and arranged to be positioned underneath amotor vehicle and then moved through raising and lowering movementsunder a transmittal of force thereto to affect raising and loweringmovements of the vehicle, said combination comprising: an elongatedrigid jack operating tool having an exterior surface and a pair ofopposing end portions spaced apart in a longitudinal direction thereof,at least one of said end portions being constructed and arranged to becoupled in force transmitting relation with the vehicle jack such thatmoving the tool transmits force to the jack to move the jack through theaforesaid raising and lowering movements thereof; a longitudinal entrytool retainer constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to thevehicle, said tool retainer having a tool receiving space andresiliently movable tool engaging structure providing a tool engagingsurface; said tool and said tool retainer being constructed and arrangedto enable said tool to be mounted to said tool retainer by moving saidtool in the longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receivingspace such that said tool contacts said tool engaging structure andurges said tool engaging structure against the resiliency thereof toaccommodate ingress of said tool into said tool receiving space and suchthat said tool engaging structure thereafter forcibly engages said toolengaging surface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof; wherein said tool engaging structure includes one or moredeformable ribs extending into said tool receiving space.
 21. Acombination according to claim 20, wherein said tool retainer includesan annular wall surrounding said tool receiving space and wherein saidone or more deformable ribs include a plurality of said deformable ribsdisposed on an interior surface of said wall.
 22. A combination for usewith a vehicle jack constructed and arranged to be positioned underneatha motor vehicle and then moved through raising and lowering movementsunder a transmittal of force thereto to affect raising and loweringmovements of the vehicle, said combination comprising: an elongatedrigid jack operating tool having an exterior surface and a pair ofopposing end portions spaced apart in a longitudinal direction thereof,at least one of said end portions being constructed and arranged to becoupled in force transmitting relation with the vehicle jack such thatmoving the tool transmits force to the jack to move the jack through theaforesaid raising and lowering movements thereof; a longitudinal entrytool retainer constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to thevehicle, said tool retainer having a tool receiving space andresiliently movable tool engaging structure providing a tool engagingsurface; said tool and said tool retainer being constructed and arrangedto enable said tool to be mounted to said tool retainer by moving saidtool in the longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receivingspace such that said tool contacts said tool engaging structure andurges said tool engaging structure against the resiliency thereof toaccommodate ingress of said tool into said tool receiving space and suchthat said tool engaging structure thereafter forcibly engages said toolengaging surface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof, wherein said tool retainer is a first longitudinal entry toolretainer and wherein said system further comprises a second longitudinalentry tool retainer having a tool receiving space and resilientlymovable tool engaging structure providing a tool engaging surface, saidsecond tool retainer being constructed and arranged to be fixedlymounted to the vehicle in spaced apart relation from said first toolretainer with said tool receiving spaces of said first and second toolretainers being generally aligned with one another; said tool and saidsecond tool retainer being constructed and arranged to enable said toolto be mounted to said second tool retainer after mounting said tool tosaid first tool retainer as aforesaid by continuing to move said tool inthe longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receiving space ofsaid second tool retainer such that said tool contacts said toolengaging structure of said second tool retainer and urges said toolengaging structure of said second tool retainer against the resiliencythereof to accommodate ingress of said tool into said tool receivingspace and such that said tool engaging structure of said second toolretainer thereafter forcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereofagainst the exterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibitmovement of the tool in the longitudinal direction thereof incooperation with said tool engaging surface of said first tool retainer;wherein said tool engaging structure of said first tool retainerincludes one or more deformable ribs extending into the tool receivingspace of said first tool retainer, and wherein said tool engagingstructure of said second tool retainer includes one or more deformableribs extending into the tool receiving space of said second toolretainer.
 23. A combination according to claim 22, wherein said firsttool retainer includes an annular wall surrounding said tool receivingspace thereof and wherein said one or more deformable ribs of said firsttool retainer includes a plurality of said deformable ribs disposed onan interior surface of said wall; wherein said second tool retainerincludes an annular wall surrounding said tool receiving space thereofand wherein said one or more deformable ribs of said second toolretainer includes a plurality of said ribs disposed on an interiorsurface of said wall.
 24. A combination for use with a vehicle jackconstructed and arranged to be positioned underneath a motor vehicle andthen moved through raising and lowering movements under a transmittal offorce thereto to affect raising and lowering movements of the vehicle,said combination comprising: an elongated rigid jack operating toolhaving an exterior surface and a pair of opposing end portions spacedapart in a longitudinal direction thereof, at least one of said endportions being constructed and arranged to be coupled in forcetransmitting relation with the vehicle jack such that moving the tooltransmits force to the jack to move the jack through the aforesaidraising and lowering movements thereof; a longitudinal entry toolretainer constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle,said tool retainer having a tool receiving space and resiliently movabletool engaging structure providing a tool engaging surface; said tool andsaid tool retainer being constructed and arranged to enable said tool tobe mounted to said tool retainer by moving said tool in the longitudinaldirection thereof into said tool receiving space such that said toolcontacts said tool engaging structure and urges said tool engagingstructure against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of saidtool into said tool receiving space and such that said tool engagingstructure thereafter forcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereofagainst the exterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibitmovement of the tool in the longitudinal direction thereof; wherein saidtool receiving space is open to opposing end portions of said toolretainer to enable said tool to be moved therethrough as said tool isbeing mounted to said tool retainer and wherein said one of saidopposing end portions of said tool has a lock button extending throughan opening formed in the exterior surface of said tool and a springmounted within said tool adjacent said opening, said lock button beingmounted to said spring such that said spring biases said lock buttonoutwardly through said opening to a locking position, said tool retainerbeing constructed and arranged such that as said one end portion of saidtool having said lock button is moved into said tool receiving space,said lock button engages said tool retainer in a camming action to urgesaid lock button inwardly from the locking position thereof to permitingress of said tool into said tool receiving space and further suchthat after said lock button has moved through said tool receiving spaceand beyond said tool engaging structure said lock button returns to saidlocking position thereof under the biasing of said spring so that saidlock button can engage said tool retainer to inhibit removal of saidtool in the longitudinal direction thereof from said tool receivingspace; wherein said tool engaging structure includes one or moredeformable ribs extending into said tool receiving space.
 25. Acombination according to claim 24, wherein said tool retainer includesan annular wall surrounding said tool receiving space and wherein saidone or more deformable ribs include a plurality of said deformable ribsdisposed on an interior surface of said wall.
 26. A combination for usewith a vehicle jack constructed and arranged to be positioned underneatha motor vehicle and then moved through raising and lowering movementsunder a transmittal of force thereto to affect raising and loweringmovements of the vehicle, said combination comprising: an elongatedrigid jack operating tool having an exterior surface and a pair ofopposing end portions spaced apart in a longitudinal direction thereof,at least one of said end portions being constructed and arranged to becoupled in force transmitting relation with the vehicle jack such thatmoving the tool transmits force to the jack to move the jack through theaforesaid raising and lowering movements thereof; a longitudinal entrytool retainer constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to thevehicle, said tool retainer having a tool receiving space andresiliently movable tool engaging structure providing a tool engagingsurface; said tool and said tool retainer being constructed and arrangedto enable said tool to be mounted to said tool retainer by moving saidtool in the longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receivingspace such that said tool contacts said tool engaging structure andurges said tool engaging structure against the resiliency thereof toaccommodate ingress of said tool into said tool receiving space and suchthat said tool engaging structure thereafter forcibly engages said toolengaging surface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof; wherein said tool receiving space is open to opposing endportions of said tool retainer to enable said tool to be movedtherethrough as said tool is being mounted to said tool retainer andwherein said one of said opposing end portions of said tool has a lockbutton extending through an opening formed in the exterior surface ofsaid tool and a spring mounted within said tool adjacent said opening,said lock button being mounted to said spring such that said springbiases said lock button outwardly through said opening to a lockingposition, said tool retainer being constructed and arranged such that assaid one end portion of said tool having said lock button is moved intosaid tool receiving space, said lock button engages said tool retainerin a camming action to urge said lock button inwardly from the lockingposition thereof to permit ingress of said tool into said tool receivingspace and further such that after said lock button has moved throughsaid tool receiving space and beyond said tool engaging structure saidlock button returns to said locking position thereof under the biasingof said spring so that said lock button can engage said tool retainer toinhibit removal of said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof fromsaid tool receiving space; wherein said tool retainer is a firstlongitudinal entry tool retainer and wherein said system furthercomprises: a second longitudinal entry tool retainer having a toolreceiving space and resiliently movable tool engaging structureproviding a tool engaging surface, said second tool retainer beingconstructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle in spacedapart relation from said first tool retainer with said tool retainingspaces of said first and second tool retainers being generally alignedwith one another; said tool and said second tool retainer beingconstructed and arranged to enable said tool to be mounted to saidsecond tool retainer after mounting said tool to said first toolretainer as aforesaid by continuing to move said tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof into said receiving space of said secondtool retainer such that said tool contacts said tool engaging structureof said second tool retainer and urges said tool engaging structure ofsaid second tool retainer against the resiliency thereof to accommodateingress of said tool into said tool receiving space and such that saidtool engaging structure of said second tool retainer thereafter forciblyengages said tool engaging surface thereof against the exterior surfaceof said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof in cooperation with said tool engagingsurface of said first tool retainer; said second tool retainer beingconstructed and arranged such that as said one end portion of said toolhaving said lock button is moved in the longitudinal direction thereofinto said tool receiving space of said second tool retainer, said lockbutton engages said second tool retainer in a camming action to urgesaid lock button inwardly from the locked position thereof to permitingress of said tool into said tool receiving space of said second toolretainer and further such that after said lock button has moved throughsaid tool receiving space of said second tool retainer and beyond saidtool engaging structure thereof said lock button returns to said lockedposition thereof under the biasing of said spring so that said lockbutton can engage said tool retainer to inhibit removal of said tool inthe longitudinal direction thereof from said tool receiving space;wherein said tool engaging structure of said first tool retainerincludes one or more deformable ribs extending into the tool receivingspace of said first tool retainer, and wherein said tool engagingstructure of said second tool retainer includes one or more deformableribs extending into the tool receiving space of said second toolretainer.
 27. A combination according to claim 26, wherein said firsttool retainer includes an annular wall surrounding said tool receivingspace thereof and wherein said one or more deformable ribs of said firsttool retainer includes a plurality of said deformable ribs disposed onan interior surface of said wall; wherein said second tool retainerincludes an annular wall surrounding said tool receiving space thereofand wherein said one or more deformable ribs of said second toolretainer includes a plurality of said ribs disposed on an interiorsurface of said wall.
 28. A method for storing a jack operating tool foruse with a vehicle jack, the vehicle jack being constructed and arrangedto be positioned underneath a motor vehicle and moved through raisingand lowering movements under a transmittal of force thereto to affectraising and lowering movements of the vehicle, said method comprising:providing an elongated rigid jack operating tool having an exteriorsurface and a pair of opposing end portions spaced apart in alongitudinal direction thereof, at least one of said end portions beingconstructed and arranged to be coupled in force transmitting relationwith the vehicle jack such that moving the jack operating tool transmitsforce to the jack to move the jack through the raising and loweringmovements thereof; providing a longitudinal entry tool retainerconstructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle, said toolretainer having a tool receiving space and resiliently movable toolengaging structure providing a tool engaging surface; moving said toolin the longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receiving spacesuch that said tool contacts said tool engaging structure and urges saidtool engaging structure against the resiliency thereof to accommodateingress of said jack tool into said tool receiving space and said toolengaging structure thereafter forceably engages said tool engagingsurface against the exterior surface of said tool to frictionallyinhibit movement of said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof; andfixedly mounting said tool retainer to the vehicle.
 29. A methodaccording to claim 28, wherein fixedly mounting said tool retainer isperformed after moving said tool in the longitudinal direction thereofinto said tool receiving space.
 30. A method according to claim 29,further comprising: providing a mounting bracket constructed andarranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle; fixedly mounting saidtool retainer to said mounting bracket; and after moving said tool inthe longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receiving space ofsaid tool retainer, then fixedly mounting said bracket to the vehicle tothereby fixedly mount the tool retainer to the vehicle.
 31. A methodaccording to claim 30, wherein said tool is moved in the longitudinaldirection thereof into said tool receiving space of said tool retainerafter fixedly mounting said tool retainer to said mounting bracket. 32.A method according to claim 28, wherein said tool retainer is a firstlongitudinal entry tool retainer and wherein said method furthercomprises: providing a second longitudinal entry tool retainer having atool receiving space and resiliently movable tool engaging structureproviding a tool engaging surface; after said tool is moved in thelongitudinal direction thereof into said tool receiving space of saidfirst tool retainer, moving said tool in the longitudinal directionthereof into the tool receiving space of said second tool retainer suchthat said tool contacts said tool engaging structure of said second toolretainer and urges said tool engaging structure against the resiliencythereof to accommodate ingress of said jack tool into said toolreceiving space of said second tool retainer and said tool engagingstructure thereafter forceably engages said tool engaging surfacethereof against the exterior surface of said tool to frictionallyinhibit movement of said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof incooperation with the tool engaging surface of said first tool retainer;and fixedly mounting said second tool retainer to the vehicle.
 33. Amethod according to claim 32, wherein both fixedly mounting said firsttool retainer and fixedly mounting said second tool retainer areperformed after moving said tool in the longitudinal direction thereofinto said tool receiving spaces of said first and second tool retainers.34. A method according to claim 33, further comprising: providing amounting bracket constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to thevehicle; fixedly mounting said first and second tool retainers to saidmounting bracket; after moving said tool in the longitudinal directioninto the tool receiving spaces of said first and second tool retainers,fixedly mounting said bracket to the vehicle to thereby fixedly mountsaid tool retainers to the vehicle.
 35. A method according to claim 34,wherein said tool is moved in the longitudinal direction thereof intothe tool receiving spaces of said first and second tool retainers afterfixedly mounting said first and second tool retainer to said mountingbracket.
 36. A vehicle jack system for installation in a motor vehicle,said system comprising: a mounting bracket constructed and arranged tobe fixedly mounted to the vehicle; a vehicle jack constructed andarranged to be positioned underneath the vehicle and then moved throughraising and lowering movements under a transmittal of force thereto toaffect raising and lowering movements of the vehicle; said jack beingremovably mounted to said mounting bracket to enable said jack to beremoved therefrom for use in affecting the raising and loweringmovements of the vehicle as aforesaid; an elongated rigid jack operatingtool having an exterior surface and a pair of opposing end portionsspaced apart in a longitudinal direction thereof, at least one of saidend portions being constructed and arranged to be coupled in forcetransmitting relation with the vehicle jack such that moving the tooltransmits force to the jack to move the jack through the aforesaidraising and lowering movements thereof; a longitudinal entry toolretainer fixedly mounted to the mounting bracket, said tool retainerhaving a tool receiving space and resiliently movable tool engagingstructure providing a tool engaging surface facing into the toolreceiving space, the resiliently movable tool engaging structure alsoproviding a cam surface, said jack operating tool being removablymounted to said mounting bracket by being removably received in the toolreceiving space of said tool retainer with said tool engaging structureforcibly engaging said tool engaging surface thereof against theexterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of thetool in the longitudinal direction thereof; said tool and said toolretainer being constructed and arranged to enable said tool to beremoved for coupling to said jack in said force transmitting relation bymoving said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof so as tolongitudinally withdraw said jack tool from said tool receiving space;said tool and said tool retainer being constructed and arranged toenable said tool to be re-mounted to said tool retainer by moving saidtool in the longitudinal direction thereof into said tool receivingspace such that (a) said tool contacts the cam surface of said toolengaging structure and cams the cam surface to urge said tool engagingstructure against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of saidtool into said tool receiving space and (b) said tool engaging structurethereafter forcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereof againstthe exterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibit movement ofthe tool in the longitudinal direction thereof.
 37. A vehicle jacksystem according to claim 36, wherein said tool retainer is a toolretaining clip having a base portion fixedly mounted to said mountingbracket and a pair of opposing leg portions with free ends spaced apartfrom one another, said leg portions and said base portion havinginterior surfaces defining said tool receiving space of said toolretaining clip, said tool engaging structure being provided by said legportions, said tool engaging surfaces being provided by said interiorsurfaces of said tool retaining clips, and said cam surface beingprovided by engageable edge surfaces of the leg portions, said legportions being resiliently movable apart from one another, saidengageable edge surfaces of said tool engaging structure beingconfigured such that movement of said tool in the longitudinal directionthereof into said tool receiving space engages said tool against saidedge surfaces in a camming action so as to move said leg portions apartfrom one another against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingressof said tool within said tool receiving space and such that said legportions thereafter forceably engage said interior surfaces thereofagainst the exterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibitmovement of the tool in the longitudinal direction thereof.
 38. Avehicle jack system according to claim 37, wherein said tool retainer isa first longitudinal entry tool retainer and wherein said system furthercomprises: a second longitudinal entry tool retainer having a toolreceiving space and resiliently movable tool engaging structureproviding a tool engaging surface facing into the tool receiving space,the resiliently movable tool engaging structure of the second toolretainer also providing a cam surface, said second tool retainer beingfixedly mounted to said mounting bracket in spaced apart relation fromsaid first tool retainer with said tool receiving spaces of said firstand second tool retainers being generally aligned with one another; saidtool and said second tool retainer being constructed and arranged toenable said tool to be mounted to said second tool retainer aftermounting said tool to said first tool retainer as aforesaid bycontinuing to move said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof intosaid tool receiving space of said second tool retainer such that (a)said tool contacts the cam surface of said tool engaging structure ofsaid second tool retainer and cams the cam surface to urge said toolengaging structure of said second tool retainer against the resiliencythereof to accommodate ingress of said tool into said tool receivingspace and (b) said tool engaging structure of said second tool retainerthereafter forcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereof againstthe exterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibit movement ofthe tool in the longitudinal direction thereof in cooperation with saidtool engaging surface of said first tool retainer.
 39. A vehicle jacksystem according to claim 38, wherein each of said first and second toolretainers is a tool retaining clip having a base portion fixedly mountedto said mounting bracket and a pair of opposing leg portions with freeends spaced apart from one another, said leg portions and said baseportion having interior surfaces defining said tool receiving space ofeach of said tool retaining clips, said tool engaging structure of eachof said tool retaining clips being provided by said leg portions, saidtool engaging surfaces of each of said tool retaining clips beingprovided by said interior surfaces of said tool retaining clips, andsaid cam surfaces of said tool retaining clips being provided byengageable edge surfaces of the leg portions, said leg portions of eachof said clips being resiliently movable apart from one another; saidengageable edge surfaces of said tool engaging structure of each toolretaining clip being configured such that movement of said tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof into said tool receiving space of eachclip engages said tool against said edge surfaces thereof in a cammingaction so as to move said leg portions thereof apart from one anotheragainst the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of said toolwithin said tool receiving space thereof and such that said leg portionsthereafter forceably engage said interior surfaces thereof against theexterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of thetool in the longitudinal direction thereof.
 40. A vehicle jack systemaccording to claim 39, wherein said clips are molded from plastic.
 41. Avehicle jack system according to claim 36, wherein said tool is tubular.42. A vehicle jack system according to claim 36, wherein said tool isstraight along its entire longitudinal extent.
 43. A vehicle jack systemaccording to claim 36, wherein said tool is bent at a point intermediatesaid opposing end portions thereof.
 44. A vehicle jack system, accordingto claim 37, wherein said engageable edge surfaces of said tool engagingstructure of each tool retaining clip are chamfered.
 45. A vehicle jacksystem, according to claim 39, wherein said engageable edge surfaces ofsaid tool engaging structure of said tool retaining clip are chamfered.46. A vehicle jack system according to claim 36, wherein said toolreceiving space is open to opposing end portions of said tool retainerto enable said tool to be moved therethrough as said tool is beingmounted to said tool retainer and wherein said one of said opposing endportions of said tool has a lock button extending through an openingformed in the exterior surface of said tool and a spring mounted withinsaid jack tool adjacent said opening, said lock button being mounted tosaid spring such that said spring biases said lock button outwardlythrough said opening to a locking position, said tool retainer beingconstructed and arranged such that as said one end portion of said toolis moved into said tool receiving space, said lock button engages saidcam surface in a camming action to urge said lock button inwardly fromthe locking position thereof to permit ingress of said tool into saidtool receiving space and further such that after said lock button hasmoved through said tool receiving space and beyond said tool engagingstructure said lock button returns to said locking position thereofunder the biasing of said spring so that said lock button can engagesaid tool retainer to inhibit removal of said tool in the longitudinaldirection thereof from said tool receiving space.
 47. A vehicle jacksystem according to claim 46, wherein said tool retainer is a toolretaining clip having a base portion fixedly mounted to the vehicle anda pair of opposing leg portions with free ends spaced apart from oneanother, said leg portions and said base portion having interiorsurfaces defining said tool receiving space of said tool retaining clip,said tool engaging structure being provided by said leg portions, saidtool engaging surfaces being provided by said interior surfaces of saidtool retaining clips, and said cam surface being provided by engageableedge surfaces of the leg portions, said leg portions of each clip beingresiliently movable apart from one another; said engageable edgesurfaces of said tool engaging structure being configured such thatmovement of said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof into saidtool receiving space (a) engages said jack tool against said edgesurfaces in a camming action so as to move said leg portions apart fromone another against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress ofsaid tool within said tool receiving space and such that said legportions thereafter forceably engage said interior surfaces thereofagainst the exterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibitmovement of the jack tool in the longitudinal direction thereof and (b)engages said lock button of said jack tool against one of said edgesurfaces in a camming action to urge said lock button inwardly from thelocked position thereof to permit ingress of said tool into said toolreceiving space.
 48. A vehicle jack system according to claim 46,wherein said tool retainer is a first longitudinal entry tool retainerand wherein said system further comprises: a second longitudinal entrytool retainer having a tool receiving space and resiliently movable toolengaging structure providing a tool engaging surface facing into thetool receiving space, the resiliently movable tool engaging structure ofthe second tool retainer also providing a cam surface, said second toolretainer being fixedly mounted to the vehicle in spaced apart relationfrom said first tool retainer with said tool receiving spaces of saidfirst and second tool retainers being generally aligned with oneanother; said tool and said second tool retainer being constructed andarranged to enable said tool to be mounted to said second tool retainerafter mounting said tool to said first tool retainer as aforesaid bycontinuing to move said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof intosaid tool receiving space of said second tool retainer such that (a)said tool contacts said tool engaging structure of said second toolretainer and cams the cam surface to urge said tool engaging structureof said second tool retainer against the resiliency thereof toaccommodate ingress of said tool into said tool receiving space and (b)said tool engaging structure of said second tool retainer thereafterforcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereof against the exteriorsurface of said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof in cooperation with said tool engagingsurface of the tool engaging structure of said first tool retainer; saidsecond tool retainer being constructed and arranged such that as saidone end portion of said tool is moved into said tool receiving space ofsaid second tool retainer, said lock button engages said second toolretainer in a camming action to urge said lock button inwardly from thelocking position thereof to permit ingress of said tool into said toolreceiving space of said second tool retainer and further such that aftersaid lock button has moved through said tool receiving space of saidsecond tool retainer, and beyond said tool engaging structure thereofsaid lock button returns to said locking position thereof under thebiasing of said spring so that said lock button can engage said toolretainer to inhibit removal of said tool in the longitudinal directionthereof from said tool receiving space.
 49. A vehicle jack systemaccording to claim 48, wherein each of said first and second toolretainers is a tool retaining clip having a base portion fixedly mountedto said mounting bracket and a pair of opposing leg portions with freeends spaced apart from one another, said leg portions and said baseportion having interior surfaces defining said tool receiving space ofeach of said tool retaining clips, said tool engaging structure of saidtool retaining clips being provided by said leg portions, said toolengaging surfaces of said tool retaining clips being provided by saidinterior surfaces of said tool retaining clips, and said cam surfaces ofsaid tool retaining clips being provided by engageable edge surfaces ofthe leg portions, said leg portions being resiliently movable apart fromone another; said engageable edge surfaces of said tool engagingstructures of each tool retaining clip being configured such thatmovement of said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof into saidtool receiving space of each clip (a) engages said tool against saidedge surfaces thereof in a camming action so as to move said legportions thereof apart from one another against the resiliency thereofto accommodate ingress of said tool within said tool receiving spacethereof and such that said leg portions thereafter forceably engage saidinterior surfaces thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof and (b) engages said lock button of said tool against one ofsaid edge surfaces in a camming action to urge said lock button inwardlyfrom the locking position thereof to permit ingress of said tool intosaid tool receiving space.
 50. A vehicle jack system according to claim49, wherein said clips are molded from plastic.
 51. A vehicle jacksystem according to claim 47, wherein said engageable edge surfaces ofsaid tool engaging structure of each tool retaining clip are chamfered.52. A vehicle jack system according to claim 49, wherein said engageableedge surfaces of each of said tool engaging structures of said toolretaining clip are chamfered.
 53. A vehicle jack system for installationin a motor vehicle, said system comprising: a mounting bracketconstructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle; a vehiclejack constructed and arranged to be positioned underneath the vehicleand then moved through raising and lowering movements under atransmittal of force thereto to affect raising and lowering movements ofthe vehicle; said jack being removably mounted to said mounting bracketto enable said jack to be removed therefrom for use in affecting theraising and lowering movements of the vehicle as aforesaid; an elongatedrigid jack operating tool having an exterior surface and a pair ofopposing end portions spaced apart in a longitudinal direction thereof,at least one of said end portions being constructed and arranged to becoupled in force transmitting relation with the vehicle jack such thatmoving the tool transmits force to the jack to move the jack through theaforesaid raising and lowering movements thereof; a longitudinal entrytool retainer fixedly mounted to the mounting bracket, said toolretainer having a tool receiving space and resiliently movable toolengaging structure providing a tool engaging surface, said jackoperating tool being removably mounted to said mounting bracket by beingremovably received in the tool receiving space of said tool retainerwith said tool engaging structure forcibly engaging said tool engagingsurface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof; said tool and said tool retainer being constructed and arrangedto enable said tool to be removed for coupling to said jack in saidforce transmitting relation by moving said tool in the longitudinaldirection thereof so as to longitudinally withdraw said jack tool fromsaid tool receiving space; said tool and said tool retainer beingconstructed and arranged to enable said tool to be re-mounted to saidtool retainer by moving said tool in the longitudinal direction thereofinto said tool receiving space such that said tool contacts said toolengaging structure and urges said tool engaging structure against theresiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of said tool into said toolreceiving space and such that said tool engaging structure thereafterforcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereof against the exteriorsurface of said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof; wherein said tool receiving space isopen to opposing end portions of said tool retainer to enable said toolto be moved therethrough as said tool is being mounted to said toolretainer and wherein said one of said opposing end portions of said toolhas a lock button extending through an opening formed in the exteriorsurface of said tool and a spring mounted within said jack tool adjacentsaid opening, said lock button being mounted to said spring such thatsaid spring biases said lock button outwardly through said opening to alocking position, said tool retainer being constructed and arranged suchthat as said one end portion of said tool is moved into said toolreceiving space, said lock button engages said tool retainer in acamming action to urge said lock button inwardly from the lockingposition thereof to permit ingress of said tool into said tool receivingspace and further such that after said lock button has moved throughsaid tool receiving space and beyond said tool engaging structure saidlock button returns to said locking position thereof under the biasingof said spring so that said lock button can engage said tool retainer toinhibit removal of said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof fromsaid tool receiving space; wherein said tool engaging structure includesone or more deformable ribs extending into said tool receiving space.54. A vehicle jack system according to claim 53, wherein said toolretainer includes an annular wall surrounding said tool receiving spaceand wherein said one or more deformable ribs include a plurality of saiddeformable ribs disposed on an interior surface of said wall.
 55. Avehicle jack system for installation in a motor vehicle, said systemcomprising: a mounting bracket constructed and arranged to be fixedlymounted to the vehicle; a vehicle jack constructed and arranged to bepositioned underneath the vehicle and then moved through raising andlowering movements under a transmittal of force thereto to affectraising and lowering movements of the vehicle; said jack being removablymounted to said mounting bracket to enable said jack to be removedtherefrom for use in affecting the raising and lowering movements of thevehicle as aforesaid; an elongated rigid jack operating tool having anexterior surface and a pair of opposing end portions spaced apart in alongitudinal direction thereof, at least one of said end portions beingconstructed and arranged to be coupled in force transmitting relationwith the vehicle jack such that moving the tool transmits force to thejack to move the jack through the aforesaid raising and loweringmovements thereof; a longitudinal entry tool retainer fixedly mounted tothe mounting bracket, said tool retainer having a tool receiving spaceand resiliently movable tool engaging structure providing a toolengaging surface, said jack operating tool being removably mounted tosaid mounting bracket by being removably received in the tool receivingspace of said tool retainer with said tool engaging structure forciblyengaging said tool engaging surface thereof against the exterior surfaceof said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof; said tool and said tool retainer beingconstructed and arranged to enable said tool to be removed for couplingto said jack in said force transmitting relation by moving said tool inthe longitudinal direction thereof so as to longitudinally withdraw saidjack tool from said tool receiving space; said tool and said toolretainer being constructed and arranged to enable said tool to bere-mounted to said tool retainer by moving said tool in the longitudinaldirection thereof into said tool receiving space such that said toolcontacts said tool engaging structure and urges said tool engagingstructure against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of saidtool into said tool receiving space and such that said tool engagingstructure thereafter forcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereofagainst the exterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibitmovement of the tool in the longitudinal direction thereof; wherein saidtool receiving space is open to opposing end portions of said toolretainer to enable said tool to be moved therethrough as said tool isbeing mounted to said tool retainer and wherein said one of saidopposing end portions of said tool has a lock button extending throughan opening formed in the exterior surface of said tool and a springmounted within said jack tool adjacent said opening, said lock buttonbeing mounted to said spring such that said spring biases said lockbutton outwardly through said opening to a locking position, said toolretainer being constructed and arranged such that as said one endportion of said tool is moved into said tool receiving space, said lockbutton engages said tool retainer in a camming action to urge said lockbutton inwardly from the locking position thereof to permit ingress ofsaid tool into said tool receiving space and further such that aftersaid lock button has moved through said tool receiving space and beyondsaid tool engaging structure said lock button returns to said lockingposition thereof under the biasing of said spring so that said lockbutton can engage said tool retainer to inhibit removal of said tool inthe longitudinal direction thereof from said tool receiving space;wherein said tool retainer is a first longitudinal entry tool retainerand wherein said system further comprises: a second longitudinal entrytool retainer having a tool receiving space and resiliently movable toolengaging structure providing a tool engaging surface, said second toolretainer being fixedly mounted to the vehicle in spaced apart relationfrom said first tool retainer with said tool receiving spaces of saidfirst and second tool retainers being generally aligned with one anothersaid tool and said second tool retainer being constructed and arrangedto enable said tool to be mounted to said second tool retainer aftermounting said tool to said first tool retainer as aforesaid bycontinuing to move said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof intosaid tool receiving space of said second tool retainer such that saidtool contacts said tool engaging structure of said second tool retainerand urges said tool engaging structure of said second tool retaineragainst the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of said tool intosaid tool receiving space and such that said tool engaging structure ofsaid second tool retainer thereafter forcibly engages said tool engagingsurface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof in cooperation with said tool engaging surface of the toolengaging structure of said first tool retainer; said second toolretainer being constructed and arranged such that as said one endportion of said tool is moved into said tool receiving space of saidsecond tool retainer, said lock button engages said second tool retainerin a camming action to urge said lock button inwardly from the lockingposition thereof to permit ingress of said tool into said tool receivingspace of said second tool retainer and further such that after said lockbutton has moved through said tool receiving space of said second toolretainer, and beyond said tool engaging structure thereof said lockbutton returns to said locking position thereof under the biasing ofsaid spring so that said lock button can engage said tool retainer toinhibit removal of said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof fromsaid tool receiving space; wherein said tool engaging structure of saidfirst tool retainer includes one or more deformable ribs extending intothe tool receiving space of said first tool retainer and wherein thetool engaging structure of said second tool retainer includes one ormore deformable ribs extending into the tool receiving space of saidsecond tool retainer.
 56. A vehicle jack system according to claim 55,wherein said first tool retainer includes an annular wall surroundingsaid tool receiving space thereof and wherein said one or moredeformable ribs of said first tool retainer includes a plurality of saiddeformable ribs disposed on an interior surface of said wall; whereinsaid second tool retainer includes a annular wall surrounding said toolreceiving space and wherein said one or more deformable ribs of saidsecond tool retainer includes a plurality of ribs disposed on aninterior surface of said wall.
 57. A vehicle jack system forinstallation in a motor vehicle, said system comprising: a mountingbracket constructed and arranged to be fixedly mounted to the vehicle; avehicle jack constructed and arranged to be positioned underneath thevehicle and then moved through raising and lowering movements under atransmittal of force thereto to affect raising and lowering movements ofthe vehicle; said jack being removably mounted to said mounting bracketto enable said jack to be removed therefrom for use in affecting theraising and lowering movements of the vehicle as aforesaid; an elongatedrigid jack operating tool having an exterior surface and a pair ofopposing end portions spaced apart in a longitudinal direction thereof,at least one of said end portions being constructed and arranged to becoupled in force transmitting relation with the vehicle jack such thatmoving the tool transmits force to the jack to move the jack through theaforesaid raising and lowering movements thereof; a longitudinal entrytool retainer fixedly mounted to the mounting bracket, said toolretainer having a tool receiving space and resiliently movable toolengaging structure providing a tool engaging surface, said jackoperating tool being removably mounted to said mounting bracket by beingremovably received in the tool receiving space of said tool retainerwith said tool engaging structure forcibly engaging said tool engagingsurface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof; said tool and said tool retainer being constructed and arrangedto enable said tool to be removed for coupling to said jack in saidforce transmitting relation by moving said tool in the longitudinaldirection thereof so as to longitudinally withdraw said jack tool fromsaid tool receiving space; said tool and said tool retainer beingconstructed and arranged to enable said tool to be re-mounted to saidtool retainer by moving said tool in the longitudinal direction thereofinto said tool receiving space such that said tool contacts said toolengaging structure and urges said tool engaging structure against theresiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of said tool into said toolreceiving space and such that said tool engaging structure thereafterforcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereof against the exteriorsurface of said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof; wherein said tool engaging structureincludes one or more deformable ribs extending into said tool receivingspace.
 58. A vehicle jack system according to claim 57, wherein saidtool retainer includes an annular wall surrounding said tool receivingspace and wherein said one or more deformable ribs include a pluralityof said deformable ribs disposed on an interior surface of said wall.59. A vehicle jack system for installation in a motor vehicle, saidsystem comprising: a mounting bracket constructed and arranged to befixedly mounted to the vehicle; a vehicle jack constructed and arrangedto be positioned underneath the vehicle and then moved through raisingand lowering movements under a transmittal of force thereto to affectraising and lowering movements of the vehicle; said jack being removablymounted to said mounting bracket to enable said jack to be removedtherefrom for use in affecting the raising and lowering movements of thevehicle as aforesaid; an elongated rigid jack operating tool having anexterior surface and a pair of opposing end portions spaced apart in alongitudinal direction thereof, at least one of said end portions beingconstructed and arranged to be coupled in force transmitting relationwith the vehicle jack such that moving the tool transmits force to thejack to move the jack through the aforesaid raising and loweringmovements thereof; a longitudinal entry tool retainer fixedly mounted tothe mounting bracket, said tool retainer having a tool receiving spaceand resiliently movable tool engaging structure providing a toolengaging surface, said jack operating tool being removably mounted tosaid mounting bracket by being removably received in the tool receivingspace of said tool retainer with said tool engaging structure forciblyengaging said tool engaging surface thereof against the exterior surfaceof said tool to frictionally inhibit movement of the tool in thelongitudinal direction thereof; said tool and said tool retainer beingconstructed and arranged to enable said tool to be removed for couplingto said jack in said force transmitting relation by moving said tool inthe longitudinal direction thereof so as to longitudinally withdraw saidjack tool from said tool receiving space; said tool and said toolretainer being constructed and arranged to enable said tool to bere-mounted to said tool retainer by moving said tool in the longitudinaldirection thereof into said tool receiving space such that said toolcontacts said tool engaging structure and urges said tool engagingstructure against the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of saidtool into said tool receiving space and such that said tool engagingstructure thereafter forcibly engages said tool engaging surface thereofagainst the exterior surface of said tool to frictionally inhibitmovement of the tool in the longitudinal direction thereof; wherein saidtool retainer is a first longitudinal entry tool retainer and whereinsaid system further comprises: a second longitudinal entry tool retainerhaving a tool receiving space and resiliently movable tool engagingstructure providing a tool engaging surface, said second tool retainerbeing fixedly mounted to said mounting bracket in spaced apart relationfrom said first tool retainer with said tool receiving spaces of saidfirst and second tool retainers being generally aligned with oneanother; said tool and said second tool retainer being constructed andarranged to enable said tool to be mounted to said second tool retainerafter mounting said tool to said first tool retainer as aforesaid bycontinuing to move said tool in the longitudinal direction thereof intosaid tool receiving space of said second tool retainer such that saidtool contacts said tool engaging structure of said second tool retainerand urges said tool engaging structure of said second tool retaineragainst the resiliency thereof to accommodate ingress of said tool intosaid tool receiving space and such that said tool engaging structure ofsaid second tool retainer thereafter forcibly engages said tool engagingsurface thereof against the exterior surface of said tool tofrictionally inhibit movement of the tool in the longitudinal directionthereof in cooperation with said tool engaging surface of said firsttool retainer; wherein said tool engaging structure of said first toolretainer includes one or more deformable ribs extending into the toolreceiving space of said first tool retainer and wherein the toolengaging structure of said second tool retainer includes one or moredeformable fibs extending into the tool receiving space of said secondtool retainer.
 60. A vehicle jack system according to claim 59, whereinsaid first tool retainer includes an annular wall surrounding said toolreceiving space thereof and wherein said one or more deformable ribs ofsaid first tool retainer includes a plurality of said deformable ribsdisposed on a interior surface of said wall; wherein said second toolretainer includes a annular wall surrounding said tool receiving spaceand wherein said one or more deformable ribs of said second toolretainer includes a plurality of ribs disposed on an interior surface ofsaid wall.